Teen Test Awaits Murray In Melbourne

In 2015, the ATP’s next generation of stars made their move, with a slew of players aged 20 & younger cementing themselves in the Top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings.

There was one riddle, however, that they struggled to solve: World No. 2 Andy Murray. The Scot prevailed in five of six encounters against the 20-under field last year, notching a trio of wins over Nick Kyrgios and beating teenagers Borna Coric and Thanasi Kokkinakis. With another teen, Alexander Zverev, standing in his path in the first round of the Australian Open, Murray is aware of the challenge in front of him.

“It will be a tough match,” Murray said at Melbourne Park on Saturday. “I know him reasonably well. I practised with him for the first time a couple years ago. I’ve seen him play a few matches since then. Obviously getting to play him a couple of weeks ago [at the Hopman Cup] was good. I also practised with him a couple of times during the week in Perth.

“He’s a big guy obviously for his age. Of the young guys coming through, by far the tallest of them, which has obvious benefits. At the age he’s at just now can cause a few issues, as well, until you kind of fill out into your physique. But he’s got a very good game. He serves well. For a big guy, moves pretty well too. He’s obviously improving all the time. He finished last year well.”

A four-time finalist at the first Grand Slam of the year, Murray finished runner-up to Roger Federer in 2010 and to Novak Djokovic in 2011, ’13 and ’15. Sitting one match win shy of No. 40 in 10 trips to Melbourne Park, the 28 year old is eyeing another deep run, but says family comes first. He and his wife Kim are expecting their first child.

“Most days I think about that. Just now it’s a big change coming. It’s very, very exciting. I’m sure everyone that’s had their first child would have thought the same thing with just a few weeks to go. Again, I’ve never been in this position, so it’s something new for me to deal with and handle, which is good. New experiences are always good and something to learn from.”

Murray admits that his off-season training was different than usual, following an extended 2015 campaign that included the Davis Cup Final. Despite not training in his usual base in Miami, the World No. 2 is ready to go.

“It has been different, that’s for sure. I’ve never finished the season this late. So I had to make some changes to what I did in December. I didn’t go over to Miami, which is the first time in a long time. I went over to Dubai and then came over here earlier than I had ever done before. So I made some changes. I feel prepared, but it’s just been different preparation than what I’m used to.”

Seeded second, Murray will open his Australian Open bid on Tuesday. A potential second round meeting against Adrian Mannarino or Sam Groth is in the cards, with David Ferrer and John Isner the other Top 10 seeds in his quarter of the draw.